HEALTH & WELLNESS N A T U R O P A T H I C I N S P I R A T I O N S
INGRID PINCOTT ND
What is a Healthy Lifestyle? SOME REMINDERS FROM A WESTERN NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN’S POINT OF VIEW Photo © Adobestock / Tanja Esser
Routines are healthy. Recently in our household
short programs that can be done every spring and fall
when asked what day it is the answer is “Blursday,” as the
that combine diet changes and cleansing herbs and ho-
days run into each other. Developing some kind of daily
meopathy to refresh the liver and the bowel.
routine does keep your health in check during stressful times. During the pandemic I have been trying to keep a regular exercise regime. Signing up online ahead of time has helped, because if I don’t I won’t get in! I also have made a commitment: Perfect Mind Campbell River offers many exercise and yoga classes so if I miss a class or the time isn’t right I can do the class at home in my basement—outside is even better! Having a routine contributes to a stable frame of mind, and these areas are key: bedtime and time to get up; meal times; meditation, creativity and downtime. Eating at regular intervals prevents blood sugar highs and lows. Instead of TV and a glass of wine, occasionally try something else instead, like visit a friend while walking the Canyon View. Having a “green bath” like this is like a walking meditation and lowers your stress hormone cortisol. Children particularly benefit from being outside. It is lovely to see youngsters enjoying “Forest School”.
Take time for cleansing: This past year has perhaps been a “reset” for you, rethinking how you spend your time, how to be less busy and more creative and spend quality with your family. How to have more balance in your life. A time to clean your home and garden, and catch up on projects. Is there one thing that you might want to get
Take time for creativity: Over the last few months I have taken up playing the Ukulele and practicing with a friend over Zoom and learning from You Tube. Playing a musical instrument, colouring, writing a poem, dancing and singing are forms of creativity that are very calming for the sympathetic nervous system.
Take time for downtime: Like everyone else I have been watching some great series on Netflix. I am careful to choose something uplifting, rather than violent and negative. I also try to find something humorous to end the day. Your choice of music also makes a difference, and sometimes silence is best. We are so fortunate to be able to have beach fires on our local beaches and there is nothing more calming than sitting around a fire at the beach and just be. Once a week, create your own sacred time on Sunday morning to take time just for you.
Take time for gratitude: Surely during this time many of us have seen others go through much worse times than us. It helps us also look for the little things that bring a smile to our faces. Keeping a daily gratitude journal is another key to happiness as we recognize what a wonderful life it truly is.
rid of and replace with something more healthful? For
These healthy lifestyle ideas complement a wholesome
example, less screen time and more reading before bed.
diet, herbs and homeopathy that I have talked about
Naturopathic medicine teaches that cleansing the body
many times in my past articles. Please contact me if
is also a great “reset” for your health. There are simple
you'd like a complete set. Happy Fun Summer to you!
Contact Dr. Ingrid Pincott N.D. (Non-Practicing) at 778-560-4444 Contact an Naturopathic Physician near you at www.bcna.ca 2 4 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 3 3
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